Shortstop lives up to legacy, makes name for himself

Thursday

Every other day, a Major League Baseball coach calls a Bacon Academy player to talk baseball.

Every other day, a Major League Baseball coach calls a Bacon Academy player to talk baseball.

And at least once a year, they get together and train.

Ron Wotus may be out in San Francisco as bench coach of the World Series champion Giants, but he always makes a little time for his nephew, senior shortstop Connor Wotus.

“It really helps him because Ronny has some really good advice,” Bacon Academy coach Dave Shea said. “Ronny is a great, great baseball guy. If you have some problems, Ronny can help you solve them.”

Ron Wotus was an All-State basketball player under Shea’s coaching. However, he really made his mark on the baseball diamond at Bacon Academy. He was drafted in the 16th round of the 1979 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s spent the last 13 years as bench coach of the San Francisco Giants.

Shea said Connor Wotus’ father, John, was also a very good baseball player for the Bobcats. There is some pressure that comes with being the next generation of Wotus.

“It’s a lot on your shoulders,” the senior said. “I don’t really think about it too much. You have to try and keep that in the back of your head. I have to make myself my own player instead of just living through (my uncle).”

Connor Wotus has blazed his own path in Colchester. As a junior last season, he hit over .300 with 10 runs scored and 19 RBIs.

“The people that saw Ronny play aren’t the same people who are at our games today and see Connor,” Shea said. “I think (fans today) look at Connor independently as a good ballplayer.”

Connor Wotus is part of an infield of seniors that all hit above the .300 mark last season.

The group, including third baseman Joey Lindsey, second baseman Bobby Blaisdell and first baseman Shane Holman, has been playing together since they were sophomores. The Bobcats’ senior bats helped the team get off to a 5-1 start after a win against Plainfield on Friday.

Shea said it is Connor Wotus’ work ethic that he has been most impressed with.

“Connor has a good work ethic and he loves the game and is really trying to improve,” Shea said. “He’s gotten a lot stronger in the past year or so. He has been into the weights pretty heavy and it shows up in his bat speed.”

The senior seems less concerned with being the next great Wotus as he is being the next great Bobcat.

“Come World Series time, we see (Ron) on TV a lot, but I don’t think it puts any additional pressure on Connor,” Shea said. “When he steps between the lines, he plays ball.”

Just like the Wotuses who came before him.

“It’s a good sports family,” Shea said. “And it is my pleasure to be associated with them.”

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